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Design Process

We ask that you first fill out our information form - this will help us better personalize your event. We will then set up a complimentary consultation to work one on one with you and begin the process of your custom design. This can be done over the phone, email, or in person (if you live in the St. Louis area). Our biggest priority is that your order is unique to you and exactly what you envisioned it to be!

Due to the custom nature of our work, most orders will require a design/customization fee of $25 (can be up to $60, depending on the design), and will be added to your final invoice unless a prior design agreement has been made. (This fee helps cover the design time spent, the print set-up, stock photo purchases, custom illustration or monogram/logo.) Of course, if you are ordering your save the dates, invites, programs, etc. then only one design fee may apply if all will follow the same theme. You WILL NOT be charged if your design is very similar to one shown on our site — contact us for more info. Wedding packages are available - please contact us for more information. THERE IS A $75 MINIMUM FOR ALL CUSTOM/PERSONALIZED ORDERS.


Design and Proofing Turnaround Time

Due to the high volume of orders, designs and proof changes can take up to 1 week, depending on our schedule at the time. We will do our best to give you a time-line for the design and production of your order.

Right now, the turnaround times are as follows:

  • Postcard save the dates - 3-4 days for first proof, 24 hours for changes and revisions
  • Passport invitations - 5-7 days for first proof, 2 days for changes or revisions
  • Other custom designs - 5-7 days for first proof, 2 days for changes or revisions

Printing and Production of Wedding Invitations

Once you have approved your final design, it will take approximately 4-6 weeks to assemble your order (this varies on quantity and design). For example, postcard save the dates and passports usually take 1-2 weeks for production. For invitations, we highly recommend ordering at least 8-12 weeks prior to the mailing date to allow ample time for the design, production and assembly of your order. ORDERS NEEDED BEFORE THE PRODUCTION DATES LISTED ON OUR WEBSITE WILL BE CHARGED A 20% RUSH FEE.


Deposit

A $30 deposit is required before any work begins and also reserves a spot with us.

It will be deducted from your final order price and includes the following:

  • A design consultation either by email, phone, or in person (if you live in the St. Louis area).
  • Up to 4 email proofs in JPG format and 1 hard copy proof sent via USPS mail. (Additional samples and expedited shipping for samples, if requested, will be an additional charge.)

The deposit fee is non-refundable in the event that you decide not to place your order with us. For all orders over $150, half of the total amount is due before the production of your order (minus your $30 sample deposit) and the remaining balance due before delivery. Shipping (if applicable) will be an additional cost and added to the final total. Please note that by placing a deposit you are agreeing to Serendipity’s terms and polocies stated here.

**Please note that any changes needed to be made to your design after the first 4 digital proofs have been sent will require an additional $10 per proof. This will not be the case if the changes that need to be made are mistakes on Serendipity’s end, or are simple copy/text changes. If you need more than one printed sample, and additional charge for the sample and shipping will be added to your invoice.


How to Order

Please contact us with any questions that you may have that are not answered on our site. If you are concerned about timing, please contact us first to make sure we can accommodate your deadline. If you are requesting a quote, make sure to provide us with an estimate of how many invitations you will need, if any inserts are required, and your estimated mailing date.

  • 1. Place your deposit by purchasing one of the listings in our online store. The deposit reserves a spot with us and must be made before any work can begin. Once the deposit has been made, we will notify you by email with an information form and template so that you can gather the details needed to begin your design.
  • 2. Email us the details of your event (colors, theme, wording, etc.) Please be sure to include an estimated quantity of how many invites are needed and when you would like to mail them.
  • 3. A digital design proof(s) will be provided to you via email for your approval and suggestions. At this time, a printed sample may be mailed to you as well.
  • 4. Once the final design is approved and ready for production, a invoice will be emailed to you. For all orders over $150, half of the total amount is due before the production of your order (minus your $30 sample deposit) and the remaining balance due before delivery. Shipping (if applicable) will be an additional cost and added to the final total.
  • 5. We print, assemble, and ship your invites! You will be posted every step of the way on the status of your order. (Turnaround time is quicker for some designs than others, please see online store listings.)
  • 6. You get compliments on how unique your invitations are and your guests say how they can not wait for your event!

    • Special Discounts
    • 5% discount when ordering 100 or more invites, announcements or save the dates
    • 10% discount for orders of 150 or more invites, announcements or save the dates
    • Order your wedding invitations with us and get 10% off items needed for your ceremony or reception (for orders over $150)

    Method of Payment

    Check is preferred, however we will accept money orders and PayPal. (PayPal will allow you to pay by credit card, even if you don’t have a PayPal account. Please let us know if you have questions about method of payment.) There will be a 3% service fee on all orders over $250 paid through PayPal/credit card.


    Shipping

    All orders are shipped Priority Mail, UPS or FedEx (with tracking). Shipping can range anywhere from $8 to $50, depending on the size and weight of your package. We never request a signature at delivery, so please specify if you prefer that a signature be required. Please make sure your address is current on both your Etsy account and PayPal account to ensure accurate and timely delivery. Serendipity will not be held responsible for damaged or lost stationery in shipping and mailing.


    Tips for Mailing Your Invites

    Hand Canceling
    Most of our invite designs have multiple layers of paper or little embellishments on them, such as ribbon, crystals, etc. These invites should be “Hand Canceled” when mailing them to your guests! Hand canceling means your invitations will be processed BY HAND and should not go through the automated processing machines, avoiding damage. Hand canceling also minimizes the amount of stamping/barcodes on the outer envelope, so your invites will arrive much cleaner to your guests! This is usually a FREE SERVICE, but check with your local post office first.



    Cost of Postage
    Each invitation set is unique, so postage costs will vary. Take a completed invitation set (including all your enclosures) to your local post office — they can weigh it and tell you the price for a first-class mailing.



    Refunds and Exchanges

    Sorry, there are no refunds on personalized/custom products. Once you give us the OK to print, any mistakes/typos that were overlooked on the final proof are the clients responsibility and a re-print fee will be charged if needed. Any mistakes deemed the fault of Serendipity will be taken care of at no cost to the client and in a timely manner.

    In the event that you need to cancel your order, all costs incurred to date are billable (supplies, printing, etc) which will be a maximum of half your order total. Serendipity is not responsible for damaged or lost stationery in shipping and mailing. (See shipping policy)


    Serendipity’s Copyright Policy

    Please note that all images, designs and proofs (both hard copy and digital) are subject to copyright protection and may not be used online or printed without written permission by Serendipity – Beyond Design. If you would like to post your designs on a wedding blog or forum, please contact us first.

    Please do not contact Serendipity intending for us to copy someone else’s designs or artwork. We will use your inspiration to design something completely unique for you, but we will not under any circumstance reproduce another artist’s design.

    If an image or photo is needed for your design, we can purchase it for you at one of numerous stock photo sites. We can send you a link if you prefer to search for the images yourself, otherwise we will choose the best one for your design. If you have an image that you want us to use for your design, please make sure that you have permission from the photographer. In some cases the photographer will charge a fee, or will request a photo credit – it is very important that the photographer concedes to the use of their image and that they know exactly what the photo is being used for. If you or the photographer has any questions, please contact us.


    Feedback

    We want to make sure your package has arrived safely and that you are beyond happy with its contents! That being said, a quick email or positive feedback is always welcome and greatly appreciated!


    Mission

    Our mission is simple — we want to make you happy! If you are unsatisfied in any way, please contact us immediately and we will go above and beyond to make right! Our biggest priority is that your order is unique to you and exactly what you envisioned it to be. Thank you for supporting handmade!